51AVÊÓÆµ

PM 'reneges' on commitment to protect tenant farmers from solar takeovers, TFA warns

At the now infamous NFU Conference in 2023, Sir Keir Starmer said solar energy infrastructure should not come at the expense of tenant farmers and food production. But TFA chief executive George Dunn said a recent outcome for tenants in North Yorkshire would suggest otherwise

Chris Brayford
clock • 5 min read
Sir Keir Starmer, at NFU Conference 2023, said: "We have got high hopes for solar energy in our green prosperity plan. But we cannot do it by taking advantage of tenant farmers, farmers producing good British food on carefully maintained, fertile land. They cannot plan properly if the soil beneath their feet is not secure."
Image:

Sir Keir Starmer, at NFU Conference 2023, said: "We have got high hopes for solar energy in our green prosperity plan. But we cannot do it by taking advantage of tenant farmers, farmers producing good British food on carefully maintained, fertile land. They cannot plan properly if the soil beneath their feet is not secure."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has failed to honour a commitment to the agricultural sector prior to the General Election that solar energy schemes would not come at the expense of tenant farm businesses,...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Politics

'Just saying you do not want [a bad outcome for primary producers] does not mean it will not happen', says Efra chair

'Just saying you do not want [a bad outcome for primary producers] does not mean it will not happen', says Efra chair

Efra Committee chair Alistair Carmichael raised concerns about price caps and warm words at the Royal Highland Show and said the announcement of price caps on essential items in supermarkets was causing 'a lot of anxiety'

Alex Black
clock 22 June 2026 • 2 min read
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer resigns

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer resigns

Nominations for a leadership contest will start on July 9

Rachael Brown
clock 22 June 2026 • 3 min read
Farming unions set out asks as new Food Security Minister settles into new role

Farming unions set out asks as new Food Security Minister settles into new role

Stephen Morgan says he is keen to learn as groups emphasise agricultural challenges

Jane Thynne
clock 21 June 2026 • 2 min read